Although many have hailed Elon Musk as a visionary inventor and one of the few individuals capable of significantly changing the world, there is a growing debate about whether we should truly place our trust in him or whether we should be wary of his actions and influence. Musk’s ambitious ventures, particularly with Tesla and SpaceX, have both inspired awe and raised concerns.

When Musk introduced Tesla's electric vehicles (EVs) to the market, many were excited about the potential for clean energy, innovation, and luxury in the automotive industry. The Tesla Model S, which debuted in 2012, quickly gained a loyal following for its cutting-edge technology, long-range capabilities, and sleek design. In fact, Tesla became the world’s most valuable car company in 2021, reaching a market capitalization of over $1 trillion. Consumers were thrilled by the promise of high performance and sustainability, with over 1.3 million Teslas sold globally in 2022. However, the excitement began to wane as various issues with Tesla's designs and performance started to surface.

Critics have raised concerns about the safety and reliability of Tesla’s vehicles. There have been multiple reports of crashes, some fatal, where the vehicle’s autonomous driving system, known as Autopilot, was a factor. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Tesla vehicles are involved in a higher number of accidents per mile driven than conventional cars, although Tesla maintains that its Autopilot system is safer than human-driven vehicles. The company has also faced challenges with its vehicles' ability to perform in extreme weather conditions, with reports of Teslas struggling in cold temperatures or heavy rain, as well as issues with the battery’s performance in extreme climates.

Another significant concern is Tesla's charging infrastructure. While Tesla has built one of the largest networks of Superchargers, the charging process can still be slow compared to refueling a traditional vehicle. A 2024 report by Consumer Reports highlighted that many Tesla owners have faced long  wait times at charging stations, with some locations experiencing congestion during peak times. This issue is especially problematic for long-distance travelers, as charging times can take up to 40 minutes or more for a full charge, depending on the station's capacity. In some cases, Teslas have failed to charge properly, leading to “range anxiety” and instances where owners were stranded because their vehicles couldn’t reach a charging point in time.

Beyond his work with Tesla, Musk’s SpaceX venture has also been met with mixed reactions. SpaceX has revolutionized space travel with its  reusable Falcon 9 rockets and ambitious plans to colonize Mars, but the company’s track record with rocket launches has been far from flawless. In recent years, SpaceX has experienced multiple rocket failures during test launches. For example, in March 2025, SpaceX’s Starship #8 test flights ended in a catastrophic failure, with the rocket exploding shortly after launch. The debris from this failure caused significant disruptions to air traffic and raised concerns about the safety of future missions. A report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noted that debris from the failed launch posed a hazard to nearby airports, including delays and rerouting of flights. Although no fatalities were reported, the incident underscored the risks of Musk’s rapid pace of innovation in the space industry.

In conclusion, while Musk has undeniably brought groundbreaking advancements to industries ranging from automotive to aerospace, his ventures have also sparked significant debate. His companies have faced criticism over safety issues, unreliable technologies, and the high-risk nature of some of his projects. As Musk continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, questions linger about whether his rapid innovation is always in the best interest of consumers, or whether there are risks that should be more carefully considered.

On February 19, 2025, President Donald Trump referred to himself as a "king" in a social media post, which created a lot of debate and controversy. This statement challenges the basic principles of American democracy. The United States was founded on the idea of rejecting kingship, focusing instead on rule by the people for the people. When a sitting president uses language or imagery that suggests they are a monarch, it raises alarms about potential authoritarian behavior and straying from democratic norms.

Critics argue that this kind of language shows a decline in democratic values and hints at a shift toward autocratic rule. Using royal titles can weaken the system of checks and balances that is meant to stop any one person from gaining too much power. This worry grows when such statements are paired with actions that seem to ignore other branches of government or dismiss legal limits.

Additionally, when a president calls themselves a "king," it carries significant meaning. It reminds people of past fights against tyranny and the sacrifices made to create a country free from monarchs. Such statements can alienate citizens who feel they go against the nation’s core values and may empower groups that support authoritarian leadership.

The controversy highlights the clash between democratic ideals and the image of a leader who places themselves above the people, similar to the very systems that the founding fathers of the United States aimed to escape.

This incident arose when Trump announced the cancellation of New York City's congestion pricing tolls, declaring on Truth Social: "CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!" The official White House account shared this message, posting an image of Trump wearing a crown with the caption "LONG LIVE THE KING."

Many individuals, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, have criticized this rhetoric. Hochul firmly stated, "New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years. We sure as hell are not going to start now."

The backlash isn't limited to political leaders. At a recent White House Governors Ball, the U.S. Army Chorus performed "Do You Hear the People Sing?" from the musical Les Misérables, a song associated with protests against oppressive regimes. This choice sparked widespread speculation about its meaning, especially in light of Trump's "king" comments.

In summary, President Trump's self-reference as a "king" has sparked a complex discussion about what such language means in a democratic society, prompting reactions from political leaders, public servants, and the general public.

St. Patrick’s Day was first celebrated on March 17, 1631, when the Catholic Church established a feast day in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland (even though Saint Patrick was actually from England). However, the day had been observed in some form before that, as St. Patrick was believed to have died on March 17, 461 AD.

The earliest celebrations were religious in nature, primarily in Ireland, with feasts and church services. The holiday became more widespread over the centuries, and Irish immigrants played a key role in popularizing it, especially in countries like the United States, where large parades and festivities became a major tradition. The first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1601, organized by the Spanish colony’s Irish vicar. However, the modern tradition of big parades truly took off in the 18th century, particularly in cities like New York and Boston, where Irish immigrants used the holiday to celebrate their heritage. 

Corned beef and cabbage became associated with St. Patrick’s Day primarily due to Irish immigrants in America. In Ireland, when the holiday was first established, the meat most available was mutton (sheep) and lamb; beef was rare and would have been outrageously expensive.  For special occasion meals though, like St. Patrick’s Day dinner, the traditional dish was actually bacon and cabbage. However, when Irish immigrants arrived in the U.S., particularly in New York City, they found that corned beef (which was more affordable and readily available from Jewish butchers) was a good substitute for the traditional bacon. Cabbage was also inexpensive and easy to cook, making it a natural pairing. Over time, this meal became a staple for Irish Americans celebrating their heritage on St. Patrick’s Day, and the tradition spread widely in the U.S. Even though it’s not a common dish in Ireland for the holiday, it remains a beloved tradition in Irish-American culture.

Amsterdam High School’s teachers and administrators have been trying to get students to put their cell phones away all school year. First they tried saying “off and away,” then they tried handing out Yondr pouches at the door everyday.  Finally, they assigned every student a Yondr pouch to bring with them to use everyday.  The thing is, I don’t see any Yondr pouches around anymore, but I see a lot of phones.  I asked myself why students (myself included) insist on using their phones in school, and research shows a variety of reasons tied to social, academic, and psychological needs.  Here are the top reasons why students won’t give up their phones:

1. Social Connection: Phones are the main way students stay connected with friends, family, and even classmates. Many students have FOMO, or fear of missing out on conversations or updates.

2. Safety and Security: Students (and parents) often feel safer knowing they can reach each other instantly in case of an emergency.

3. Academic Use: Many students use their phones for research, to take photos of class notes, to play games like Kahoot, and as a calculator.

4. Entertainment and Escape: School can be stressful, and students use their phones for quick mental breaks or to stop boredom.

5. Habit and Addiction: Many students (like adults) are simply used to having their phones in their hands at all times and experience anxiety when separated from them.

So, what can AHS do about phone use when nothing seems to work?

1. Clear, Fair Policies: Instead of a complete ban, set designated phone-friendly times and zones, allowing students access during lunch or study halls.

2. Teach Digital Responsibility: Incorporate lessons on self-control, focus, and screen addiction to help students regulate their own use.

Miss Quatrini and Miss Barringer are excited to share an initiative that their Environmental Science class has been undertaking—to earn recognition for Amsterdam High School as a Tree Campus K-12 through the Arbor Day Foundation! This program encourages schools to integrate trees into their curriculum and campus, fostering environmental stewardship among students.

To qualify, AHS must demonstrate its commitment to four key requirements:

1. Formation of a Tree Team – A group that includes at least one student, teacher, and administrator.

2. Educational Plan – Incorporating trees into classroom lessons and learning experiences.

3. Community Engagement – Organizing activities that involve or benefit our local community.

4. Arbor Day Celebration – Hosting an event with a hands-on tree experience for students.

Currently, only 10 schools in New York State have received this recognition, with the closest to Amsterdam being 70 miles away. Achieving this designation would highlight the meaningful work happening at Amsterdam High School and reinforce its commitment to a greener campus and community.

As part of this initiative, the team aims to eventually establish a Memorial Grove—both to educate our community about the importance of trees and to honor the memories of students, staff, and community members. In the future, the team hopes to honor Liam Pickett’s memory by dedicating a tree alongside a bench his family plans to contribute.

Although Molly Schaefer, Audrey Egelston & Rebecca Swider are the first faculty members to join the “Tree Team,” the team is looking for additional members. If you have ideas, connections, or ways to support this project, reach out to Miss Barringer at KBarringer@gasd.org.

On Thursday, March 20, AHS’s art students took a field trip to Mass MoCA, an art museum located in North Adams Massachusetts. According to Mass MoCA’s website, “MASS MoCA exhibits art by both well-known and emerging artists, focusing on large-scale, immersive installations that would be impossible to realize in conventional museums. The broad-shouldered, raw industrial character of our soaring galleries (with 250,000 square feet of open and often naturally lit space) has proven both inspiring and liberating to artists” (https://massmoca.org/about). 

The students enjoyed the day admiring the impressive works of art, discussing the thoughts and feeling that the art works evoked, and going on a scavenger hunt to ensure that they saw as much as possible.

Although the museum is only a short ride away from Amsterdam, the students felt transported to a whole new world that fueled the imagination.